Latest First Aid Guidelines 2025: What's Changed?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Resuscitation Council UK have released significant updates to first aid guidelines for 2025. These changes affect workplace first aid requirements across Kent, London, Essex, and throughout the UK. Organizations must update their training programs to maintain compliance and ensure effective emergency response capabilities.

Updated CPR Protocols

The 2025 guidelines introduce several critical changes to CPR procedures that all first aiders must understand:

Compression Guidelines

• Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute (unchanged but reinforced)
• Depth: At least 5cm but no more than 6cm for adults
• Recoil: Complete chest recoil between compressions emphasized
• Interruptions: Minimize to less than 10 seconds

Airway Management Updates

New protocols emphasize the importance of proper airway positioning and include updated guidance on mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in workplace settings, with enhanced focus on infection prevention measures.

Enhanced AED Usage Protocols

Automated External Defibrillator guidelines have been substantially updated for 2025:

• Pre-Use Safety Checks: Enhanced environmental assessment procedures
• Pad Placement: Updated positioning guidelines for different patient types
• Post-Shock Procedures: Revised immediate care protocols
• Maintenance Requirements: Stricter regular testing schedules

Workplace Risk Assessment Changes

The HSE has updated workplace first aid risk assessment requirements, particularly affecting businesses in high-density areas like London, and industrial regions across Kent and Essex:

New Assessment Criteria

• Enhanced consideration of remote working arrangements
• Updated visitor and contractor safety requirements
• Revised calculations for first aider-to-employee ratios
• New requirements for businesses with multiple sites

Mental Health First Aid Integration

For the first time, official guidelines include specific requirements for mental health considerations in workplace first aid provision:

• Recognition of mental health emergencies
• De-escalation techniques for psychological distress
• Integration with physical first aid protocols
• Workplace wellbeing support systems

Infection Control Updates

Drawing from pandemic experiences, new infection control measures have been integrated throughout all first aid procedures:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Updated requirements for different scenarios
• Equipment Sanitization: Enhanced cleaning protocols for reusable equipment
• Barrier Devices: Mandatory use in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• Post-Incident Procedures: Comprehensive decontamination guidelines

Training Program Updates Required

Organizations across Kent, London, and Essex must update their first aid training programs to reflect these changes:

Immediate Action Required

• Review current first aid policies and procedures
• Schedule refresher training for existing first aiders
• Update first aid equipment inventories
• Revise workplace emergency response plans

Timeline for Implementation

While the guidelines are effective immediately, organizations have until September 2025 to fully implement all changes. However, DJVO Solutions recommends immediate action to ensure continuous compliance and optimal safety standards.

How DJVO Solutions Can Help

Our updated training programs fully incorporate all 2025 guideline changes, ensuring your organization maintains compliance while providing the most effective emergency response capabilities:

• Comprehensive 2025 guideline training sessions
• Updated certification programs meeting current standards
• Policy review and update services
• Equipment audit and recommendation services
• Ongoing support and refresher training